Nature's hidden pharmacy: Rediscovering the power of greater Celandine

Many plants serve as remedies for everyday problems in gardens and meadows. Folk medicine, along with our great-grandmothers and grandmothers, used herbs to season dishes and extensively used nature's gifts. Many people have forgotten about this today, but it is worth dusting off the memory drawer and returning to the roots.

Greater celandine is an invaluable plant that still resides in many home pharmacies. Knowledge about its medicinal properties has been passed down from generation to generation since the times of our great-grandmothers. It was referred to as "God's leaf" or "Mary's herb," which perfectly reflects its properties. Today, many people pass by celandine indifferently, sometimes even stepping on it. However, it is not just an ordinary weed cluttering the garden.

Greater celandine is a natural remedy used to treat various ailments. One of the most well-known properties of celandine is its ability to relieve pain and numbness. This makes it useful for multiple types of pain, such as headaches, toothaches, or joint pain. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and helps fight bacteria and fungi, speeding up the healing of wounds and skin inflammations.

Its antiseptic properties are most often used to treat wounds, rashes, and other skin changes of bacterial or fungal origin. It is a common ingredient in natural ointments that treat psoriasis or remove skin warts, also known as verrucas.

Celandine is a good ingredient for ointments and face tonics. Few people know that you can also prepare a healthy infusion from it. It helps treat pancreatic or liver ailments.

Pour three parts of warm, boiled water over one part of the fresh herb. Let it sit for about 5 hours, allowing the active ingredients to pass into the infusion. After this time, the infusion should be strained and poured into a tightly sealed container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days. Drink 30 millilitres (1 ounce) three times daily.

The use of celandine preparations requires caution. Despite its many medicinal properties, celandine can be toxic when used excessively. Before using, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist who can advise whether this solution suits your body. Do not overuse it. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children should not use celandine.